How to Drive in the Snow
Tips for Safe Winter Driving in Snowy Weather, Icy Road and Sleet
Dec 8, 2008
A snow storm can be the source of incredible natural beauty - unless a driver is faced with the challenge of traveling in the snow since the white stuff creates an ugly scene on many roadways.
Driving in snowy weather can be dangerous and challenging for drivers of all abilities. Special winter weather driving techniques must be employed to prevent skidding, spin-outs and car collisions in the snow.
Lifetime New England native and long-time driving instructor Bill Silva offered the following winter driving techniques and tips designed to help drivers navigate the roads during or shortly after a snow storm.
Get an Ice Scraper and Use It to Remove Snow and Ice from the Car Windows
Before driving in a snow, remove all the snow and ice from the car windows, tail lights and headlights. In their haste, many drivers leave ice and snow on the car windows. This limits visibility and leaves drivers prone to tickets for impeded driving. Snow is also more likely to stick to ice and snow that's left on the windows, whereas snow accumulation will be limited when the windows are cleaned before driving.
Keep the Car Full of Gas and De-Icing Windshield Washer Fluid
A full tank of gas will not only keep winter drivers safe and warm in the event of a stranding incident, but the extra weight will also improve the car's performance in the snow. Windshield washer fluid - the de-icing variety - is also a must, as this helps to remove ice accumulation from the car's windshield.
Drive Slowly When Driving in Snow, Ice or Sleet
Many drivers - especially drivers in a vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive - tend to get over-confident when driving in the snow. Excessive speed is a primary cause of accidents during snow storms. Winter driving experts like Silva say that a "safe" speed while driving in the snow is about half the posted speed limit in most cases - sometimes less. So leave early, allow for some extra travel time and keep speeds down when driving in a snow storm.
Avoid Sudden Changes in Speed
Gradual starts and stops are key when traveling in the snow. When driving in snow, ice or sleet, drivers should never slam on the brakes. Instead, tap the brakes or downshift, gradually coming to a stop. This will prevent skidding and it will prevent rear-ending collisions, which occur when another driver can't stop in due to the slick roads.
Drivers should also avoid sudden accelerations, especially when accelerating from a stop. Stomping on the gas pedal causes the wheels to spin in the snow, often causing the car to get stuck. Also, when approaching a red light, start braking well in advance and try to stay rolling until the light turns green. Avoiding complete stops can help drivers avoid getting stuck in the snow.
Keep a Shovel, Sand and Blanket in the Car - Just in Case
Driving in the snow isn't easy, and even the best drivers may get their car stuck in the snow. Keep a shovel on-hand so the snow can be removed from around the car's wheels and keep a small bag of sand in the vehicle as well. Placing sand around the wheels when a car gets stuck can help provide much-needed traction.
"Winter drivers may have to wait for several hours - you're not the only person who needs a tow truck during a snow storm. If you have a car accident in the snow, it may not be safe to keep your car engine running - there goes your heat. So keep a blanket in the car to stay warm in the event of an emergency," Silva concluded.
Another winter driving hint? When parallel parking on an incline during a snow storm, cut the steering wheel toward the curb. This way, if the parked car starts sliding on the slick roadway, the car will be more apt to slide toward the curb instead of into the street.
Looking for more driving tips? Check out Tips to Save Gas and Drive Green for advice on reducing gas consumption, and environmentally-friendly driving.
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